Ukraine Equips Naval Drones With Rocket Launching Systems To Target Russian Warships

Ukraine has reportedly outfitted some of its naval drones with multiple rocket launching systems, which will be used in combat operations against Russia.

According to a Ukrainian Intelligence source who spoke with Reuters on May 22, 2024, these modified drones have been used to attack Russian vessels in the Black Sea.

According to an unidentified source, the unmanned naval drones known as “Sea Baby” were initially built by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) and have been modified with Grad multiple rocket launching systems.

This technological advancement has generated significant benefits in recent conflicts, particularly in removing the Russian naval presence from crucial locations vital for Ukrainian exports.

One major deployment was reported near the Kinburn Spit in Ukraine’s southern province of Mykolaiv, where modified drones were used to strike Russian forces.

However, Reuters was unable to confirm the usage of these weapons directly.

Sea Baby drones — the nightmare for the russian Black Sea Fleet.

: @ServiceSsu pic.twitter.com/0YDmnVYD1H

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) May 18, 2024

Video Credits: Defense of Ukraine/Twitter

The innovation represents a significant breakthrough in Ukraine’s naval capabilities, which have been limited since the conflict began.

With traditional warships almost gone from its fleet, Ukraine has adopted unmanned technology to counter Russian Maritime aggression.

Recent developments indicate a continuous advancement of Ukraine’s unmanned naval warfare program.

The Ukrainian military has released images and videos showing experiments with additional armaments, including short-range surface-to-air missiles, which might be used to fight Russian aircraft threats.

Grad unguided rocket launchers extend the offensive capabilities of these unmanned surface vessels (USVs), enabling them to strike distant targets with precision.

The Grad system, a 122 mm multiple rocket launcher from the Soviet era, is well known for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Ukraine’s adaptation of this system to unmanned vessels is an innovative use of established military technology with the potential to reshape the dynamics of naval involvements.

According to Ukrainian sources, the deployment of modified drone boats equipped with Grad missiles has already begun, with claims of successful engagements against Russian soldiers.

However, the effectiveness of these weapons is still being verified, as Ukraine has yet to provide concrete evidence of their impact on their intended targets.

The Ukrainian Security Service plans to establish a fleet of drones capable of innovatively tackling maritime difficulties, including anti-aircraft, kamikaze, and armed types.

Reference: Reuters

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Source: Maritime Shipping News